Michael E. High

Michael High: Leading Business and Commercial Attorney in Maine

Michael High is a highly respected and accomplished attorney with over 20 years of experience providing strategic legal guidance to businesses, investors, lenders, and borrowers across a broad spectrum of corporate and commercial matters. Currently serving as co-leader of the Business and Commercial Services Practice Group, Mr. High’s deep expertise spans entity formation, shareholder/owner relations, corporate governance, complex contract drafting, review, and negotiation, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, private placements, venture capital financing, and the protection and licensing of intellectual property. He consistently delivers exceptional results for his clients, building long-term relationships based on trust and a thorough understanding of their unique business needs.

Mr. High’s distinguished career is marked by a proven ability to navigate complex transactions and disputes, representing a diverse clientele including state’s largest financial institutions, prominent Maine colleges, and utility companies. He has also served as local counsel for numerous national and international firms, providing invaluable support in intricate commercial and project financings. His commitment to providing proactive and insightful legal counsel has solidified his reputation as a trusted advisor and strategic partner.

Recent representative transactions underscore Mr. High’s capabilities. He has spearheaded the purchase and sale of numerous technology companies, encompassing biotechnology and software ventures, and has skillfully represented clients in the sale of specialty food companies to private equity investors. Furthermore, he has advised senior management in several management buyout transactions and facilitated the purchase and sale of seafood businesses. Mr. High’s work extends to the formation of several investment funds and the representation of venture capital firms and other investors, consistently ensuring favorable outcomes. His experience in software development and licensing transactions, coupled with his expertise in preparing and negotiating complex commercial agreements, demonstrates his versatility and comprehensive understanding of the business landscape.

What truly sets Mr. High apart is his dedication to his clients’ long-term success. He possesses a genuine passion for collaborating with businesses, offering guidance on contract management, governance (including succession planning), and other essential business issues at every stage of their development, from initial formation through strategic exits. His legal expertise is deeply intertwined with a commitment to understanding his clients’ goals and providing tailored solutions to achieve them.

Mr. High’s legal journey began at Choate, Hall & Stewart in Boston, Massachusetts, where he gained invaluable experience before relocating to Maine. His legal education at Cornell Law School, combined with his extensive practical experience, provides him with a robust foundation for tackling even the most challenging legal issues.

Honors & Awards

• Best Attorney USA: Listed for over 25 years, currently recognized in Banking and Finance Law, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law, Commercial Finance Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Securities/Capital Markets Law, and Venture Capital Law.
• Lawyer of the Year: Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Portland, ME (2025)
• Lawyer of the Year: Corporate Law, Portland, ME (2025)
• Lawyer of the Year: Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Portland, ME (2024)
• Lawyer of the Year: Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Portland, ME (2024)
• Lawyer of the Year: Banking and Finance Law, Portland, ME (2022)
• Lawyer of the Year: Securities Regulation, Portland, ME (2021)
• Lawyer of the Year: Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Portland, ME (2016)
• Lawyer of the Year: Banking and Finance Law, Portland, ME (2014)
• Lawyer of the Year: Securities / Capital Markets Law, Portland, ME (2013)
• Lawyer of the Year: Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Portland, ME (2012)
• Lawyer of the Year: Banking and Finance Law, Portland, ME (2010)
• Lawyer of the Year: Corporate Law, Portland, ME (2009)
• Recognized: Banking and Finance Law, Recognized: Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Recognized: Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Recognized: Commercial Finance Law, Recognized: Corporate Law, Recognized: Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Recognized: Securities / Capital Markets Law, Recognized: Securities Regulation, Recognized: Venture Capital Law
• Special Focusrich: Asset-Based Lending, Business Transactions, Commercial Finance, Finance, Mergers & Acquisitions, Structured Finance

Practice Areas

• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Corporate Finance
• Venture Capital Financing
• Commercial Contracts
• Private Equity
• Asset-Based Lending
• Structured Finance

Bar Admissions

• State of Maine
• United States District Court – District of Maine

Education: Juris Doctor, Cornell Law School; Member, The Bar Association of Maine

City: Portland; State: Maine; Country: United States